[Plügger's Masterpiece]
'Quick response.'
The blacksmith's sudden enthusiasm was only natural. Opportunities to forge a weapon with materials infused with genuine spirit power didn't come around often.
With a soft shrrk—
The process of infusing wind into the spirit stone had begun right after the raid. Filling an empty spirit stone with spirit power wasn't easy. Without Sylph's favor, it would've taken days longer.
'Gotta think long-term.'
Selling the spirit stone would net a fortune right away. But right now, he needed a weapon to bolster his strength. Valuable items like that would keep coming in the future anyway.
"Why no answer? If it's the materials, I can cover them with what I have. Can't you do it?"
-Eyes bulging.
-He's panting hard;
-Wow, but that spirit stone is such a waste.
-Fr, no one's selling 'em, it'd fetch billions;
The blacksmith stared at the spirit stone, breathing raggedly. And who could blame him? The man was only interested in honing his craft. Building this forge had just been one step toward that goal.
"Use this too."
Thud—
Kang Hanbit pulled a greatsword and dagger from his inventory and set them on the workbench. The blacksmith rushed over, inspecting the blades from every angle.
"This one's made with magic ore. And this is a fine piece too. Normally too good to melt down, but not this time."
"That's why I'm giving them. Here, take this too."
"C-careful now……."
When Hanbit handed over the spirit stone, the man took it with delicate precision. Hanbit grabbed a plain sword mounted nearby.
"This shape's good enough. Just melt the spirit stone in properly. Mind the durability and weight too."
"Don't worry. I'll make it perfect."
The blacksmith was already burning with passion, itching to head to the underground workshop.
"Uh, how much for the fee?"
"No charge. I won't let filthy money taint my challenge."
-Doing it for free lol;
-God damn
-Didn't know that old man was like this.
-Taking our trash materials, what a steal.
-No wonder he gets cuts;
With that, the blacksmith gathered everything and turned to leave.
"Hold on, Master!"
Just before he descended the stairs, Kim Jaeha raised a hand to stop him. His face lit up with excitement.
"Mind if I watch the forging?"
***
With the blacksmith's permission, the three headed underground. He was in high spirits, so he even said to make themselves at home.
Whoosh—!
The blacksmith prepped the dagger and greatsword, then thrust them into the blazing furnace. The magic tools quickly melted the metal into glowing liquid.
"Hoo."
As that finished, he added a few auxiliary materials and picked up the spirit stone. Handling it like a fragile child, he eased it into the furnace.
Pop—!
In that instant, a shimmering light rippled with wind.
"Ooh……."
The awed blacksmith steadied his expression and dove back into the work, refusing to tolerate even the slightest error.
"Never thought you'd use a spirit stone in a weapon, sir."
Kim Jaeha, standing beside him, marveled. His eyes were glued to the process.
"You into this stuff?"
"Pardon?"
"The forge. Your skills are in that direction, so you've always been interested, right?"
"Ah……."
Kim Jaeha scratched his cheek, a bit sheepish. He nodded and continued.
"Actually, my grandpa and dad ran a forge. Grew up watching them, so it came naturally."
"Is that so?"
-Artisan family whoa
-Generational forges are rare.
-Why not inherit it?
-Adult circumstances.
Discovering blacksmithing achievements was one thing; taking an interest in smithing was another. But he hadn't expected the family trade to be smithing itself.
'Gotta think this through.'
To acquire the hidden skill Dwarf Blacksmithing, Kim Jaeha was essential. The issue was it would likely bind to him personally. As a company employee, their interests would tangle things up.
'Recruit him...? Nah.'
Personnel was Juyeonu's domain, but this was one man's life on the line. No way he'd quit his job out of the blue.
"Always an impressive forge. Dad would be jealous if he saw this."
Kim Jaeha watched in admiration. Comparing it to real-world forges, the gap was huge. Magic tools, dreamlike materials everywhere—this world was perfect for realizing a smith's fantasies, depending on one's choices.
'Seems like a good guy.'
Through countless past lives, he'd shared time with hordes of people. His eye for character had sharpened naturally. And Kim Jaeha's integrity and trustworthiness shone through, interests aside.
After a moment's thought, Hanbit asked quietly.
"How's the company life?"
"Pardon?"
Kim Jaeha blinked in surprise at the sudden question. Hanbit added a plausible excuse.
"Did some interning lately, and it was rough. Figured you'd know as a senior."
"Ah."
Kim Jaeha nodded in understanding, then gazed off with a distant look.
"Company... hard to put into words. You get good times and bad."
"Boss troubles?"
"...Most places are hierarchical. Gotta endure the unfair stuff sometimes. If I didn't have family, I might've quit."
Hanbit caught the bitter mutter at the end.
'Something's up.'
People's true feelings often slipped out unexpectedly. And that expression wasn't just "it's tough." With a family to support, he was probably grinding through it. Like his senior Lee Minho, he might be facing unfair treatment.
Hiss—
A bit later, the blacksmith poured the liquid into molds and cooled it with magic tools. As he reheated it, the hammering began.
Clang—!
A crisp ring echoed through the quiet basement. To an ordinary eye, it might seem unremarkable. But Hanbit and Kim Jaeha sensed the shift in the air flow.
Clang—!
The hammer fell without a tremor, its force subtly adjusting for each spot with exquisite precision.
"Whoa……."
Kim Jaeha's eyes sparkled like a kid's—worlds away from the man who'd bitterly vented about work.
'More than just interested.'
That unguarded gaze laid his heart bare. Probably chasing a dream crushed by reality, finding hope here at least.
Seeing that passionate face, Hanbit even saw echoes of his senior Lee Minho.
Clang—!
Dozens of strikes forged a denser, stronger structure. Watching the blade take shape, Hanbit firmed his resolve on recruiting him.
And after a little more time, the sword was complete.
"The masterpiece of my life!"
The blacksmith panted, holding a stunning blade of azure white. Snorting with excitement, he pressed on.
"An edge that never dulls in any extreme, toughness to withstand any impact! Superior conductivity for mana and natural forces like spirits! It's primed to become the ultimate sword that can fell any foe in one strike... ready!"
-?
-Ready?
-Complete (Incomplete)
-Where's that sword lol;
-Superconductor?
-Metalhead detected. Doesn't know universal gravitation?
-Law of inertia;
-Newton cries.
The viewers snickered at the over-the-top hype. But surprisingly, it wasn't wrong. Far from the goal, sure.
"Take it! I poured everything in!"
Hanbit accepted the azure-white sword and sheath.
"Thanks. I'll put it to good use."
"Haha! That's my line! Bring me good stuff anytime!"
The blacksmith boomed heartily and strode upstairs, his face alight with indescribable joy.
Hanbit checked the weapon's info.
[Famous Sword - Plügger's Soul]
Rank: 3
Grade: Saga
Equip Limit: Owner Bound
Options:
-Strength 32
-Skill Efficiency 30
-Mana Conductivity 35
-Spirit Affinity 57
-All Stats +5%
-ReForge Growth Possible
-Rank & Grade Evolution Possible
Description: An incomplete sword into which blacksmith Plügger poured his all. Infused with a wind spirit stone and magic ore, plus a pinch of his prized mithril. Special skills can unlock its true potential.
-Holy shit lol
-Options are insane;
-Growth item, stupid expensive.
-Max rank and it's a lifelong weapon?
-No equip limit. Lol
-Bound so safer.
-Special skills⟶insanely hard to get.
-Won't evolve then;
-Black Dragon'll do it himself. Lol
[MetallurgyMaster donated 20,000 won.]
[NPC made this?]
"Thanks for the donation. Rare, but search around and you'll find some."
Swish—!
A light swing cleaved the air crisply. The gentle winds gathering around were far more refined.
'Better than expected.'
Thanks to the materials, it turned out brilliantly. The spirit stone, the weapons looted from Nessto guild— all used perfectly. He'd never gotten a weapon this good so fast before.
"Wow……."
Kim Jaeha gawked at the sword in awe. Probably dreaming of forging one himself.
'Can't let him slip away.'
Special skills. That meant Dwarf Blacksmithing. For this sword's growth—for that skill—Kim Jaeha was key. Time to lay the groundwork for recruitment.
Shing—
Hanbit sheathed the sword and hung it at his waist.
"Now, let's head to the waterway."